Formula one champion Max Verstappen swept past Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc four laps from the finish to take his first win of the season at Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman, who had started fourth, crossed the line just half a second ahead of Leclerc, who keeps the championship lead, having led a Ferrari one-two in last week's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz was third for the Italian team.

"Wow, that was close, wow, unbelievable!" Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Verstappen over the radio.

"Well done, Max great, great job," he added.

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The win was the 21st of Verstappen's career and handed him his first points of the year after Red Bull's double retirement in Bahrain.&nbsp;

His team mate Sergio Perez, who finished fourth, was unable to convert his first career pole into victory after the Mexican's strategy was undone by the safety car.

George Russell took fifth for struggling Mercedes ahead of Alpine's Esteban Ocon, who edged McLaren's Lando Norris to sixth by just 0.1 seconds.&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton, winner of last year's inaugural Saudi race, recovered to claim the final point in 10th after starting 15th.

Formula one champion Max Verstappen swept past Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc four laps from the finish to take his first win of the season at Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Formula one champion Max Verstappen swept past Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc four laps from the finish to take his first win of the season at Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Dutchman, who had started fourth, crossed the line just half a second ahead of Leclerc, who keeps the championship lead, having led a Ferrari one-two in last week's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. Spaniard Carlos Sainz was third for the Italian team. "Wow, that was close, wow, unbelievable!" Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Verstappen over the radio. "Well done, Max great, great job," he added. ALSO READ: Canada beat Jamaica 4-0 to bring an end to 36-year long wait for a spot in FIFA World Cup The win was the 21st of Verstappen's career and handed him his first points of the year after Red Bull's double retirement in Bahrain. His team mate Sergio Perez, who finished fourth, was unable to convert his first career pole into victory after the Mexican's strategy was undone by the safety car. George Russell took fifth for struggling Mercedes ahead of Alpine's Esteban Ocon, who edged McLaren's Lando Norris to sixth by just 0.1 seconds. Lewis Hamilton, winner of last year's inaugural Saudi race, recovered to claim the final point in 10th after starting 15th.

Formula One: Red Bull's Max Verstappen pips Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc to win Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc embarked on Formula One’s new era in triumphant style, leading teammate Carlos Sainz in a one-two for a resurgent Ferrari in Sunday’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

The Monegasque, who started from pole, crossed the line 5.5 seconds ahead of Spaniard Sainz.

World champion Max Verstappen, who several times went wheel-to-wheel with Leclerc in a battle for the lead, was on course for second but was forced to retire three laps from the end, with teammate Sergio Perez suffering the same fate shortly after, as Red Bull left Bahrain with nothing.

Red Bull's problems played into the hands of struggling Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton snatching third and new teammate George Russell finishing a career-best fourth.

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“Again, I keep repeating myself, but the past two years have been incredibly difficult for the team," said Leclerc, after ending a 45-race winless streak dating back to Singapore 2019 for the sport's most successful outfit.

"It was a huge opportunity for the team -- we couldn't hope for better." 
Sunday’s win was the third of the 24-year-old Leclerc’s career.

He earned it by fending off a charging Verstappen after the first stops, with the pair swapping places over several laps, and later timing his restart after a safety car period to perfection.

It was also the Italian team’s seventh triumph at the Sakhir desert track and their first season-opening one-two since 2010, when Fernando Alonso led Felipe Massa to victory in Bahrain.

The result put Leclerc, who also set the fastest lap and was voted driver of the day by fans, in the overall lead of the drivers'&nbsp;standings.

FERRARI LEAD STANDINGS

Ferrari, who opened the 2017 and 2018 seasons with a win but have not won a championship since 2008, lead the constructors'&nbsp;standings ahead of Mercedes.

"Firstly, a big congratulations to Ferrari, happy to see them doing well again," said seven-times world Hamilton, who for much of the race was running a distant fifth.

"I think it was such a difficult race, we struggled throughout practice but we did the best we could," the 37-year-old Briton added.

F1 returnee Kevin Magnussen put Haas back in the points with a solid fifth-place finish.

The result put the team, who in 2021 finished last and were the only outfit to not score a point, third in the overall standings.

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Valtteri Bottas was sixth in his first race for Alfa Romeo, ahead of Alpine's Esteban Ocon, who served a time penalty for pushing the Haas of Mick Schumacher into a spin.

Yuki Tsunoda was eighth for AlphaTauri ahead of Spanish double world champion Fernando Alonso.

Guanyu Zhou, who became the first Chinese driver to race in Formula One, scored the final point in tenth on his debut for Alfa Romeo.

Schumacher missed out on scoring his first points but still took home his best result so far in 11th.

Pierre Gasly failed to finish after his AlphaTauri expired in a plume of smoke and flame.

Charles Leclerc embarked on Formula One’s new era in triumphant style, leading teammate Carlos Sainz in a one-two for a resurgent Ferrari in Sunday’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc embarked on Formula One’s new era in triumphant style, leading teammate Carlos Sainz in a one-two for a resurgent Ferrari in Sunday’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. The Monegasque, who started from pole, crossed the line 5.5 seconds ahead of Spaniard Sainz. World champion Max Verstappen, who several times went wheel-to-wheel with Leclerc in a battle for the lead, was on course for second but was forced to retire three laps from the end, with teammate Sergio Perez suffering the same fate shortly after, as Red Bull left Bahrain with nothing. Red Bull's problems played into the hands of struggling Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton snatching third and new teammate George Russell finishing a career-best fourth. ALSO READ: 'You've shown remarkable grit': PM Modi lauds Lakshya Sen for spirited fight in All England Open final “Again, I keep repeating myself, but the past two years have been incredibly difficult for the team," said Leclerc, after ending a 45-race winless streak dating back to Singapore 2019 for the sport's most successful outfit. "It was a huge opportunity for the team -- we couldn't hope for better." Sunday’s win was the third of the 24-year-old Leclerc’s career. He earned it by fending off a charging Verstappen after the first stops, with the pair swapping places over several laps, and later timing his restart after a safety car period to perfection. It was also the Italian team’s seventh triumph at the Sakhir desert track and their first season-opening one-two since 2010, when Fernando Alonso led Felipe Massa to victory in Bahrain. The result put Leclerc, who also set the fastest lap and was voted driver of the day by fans, in the overall lead of the drivers' standings. FERRARI LEAD STANDINGS Ferrari, who opened the 2017 and 2018 seasons with a win but have not won a championship since 2008, lead the constructors' standings ahead of Mercedes. "Firstly, a big congratulations to Ferrari, happy to see them doing well again," said seven-times world Hamilton, who for much of the race was running a distant fifth. "I think it was such a difficult race, we struggled throughout practice but we did the best we could," the 37-year-old Briton added. F1 returnee Kevin Magnussen put Haas back in the points with a solid fifth-place finish. The result put the team, who in 2021 finished last and were the only outfit to not score a point, third in the overall standings. ALSO READ: David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea Valtteri Bottas was sixth in his first race for Alfa Romeo, ahead of Alpine's Esteban Ocon, who served a time penalty for pushing the Haas of Mick Schumacher into a spin. Yuki Tsunoda was eighth for AlphaTauri ahead of Spanish double world champion Fernando Alonso. Guanyu Zhou, who became the first Chinese driver to race in Formula One, scored the final point in tenth on his debut for Alfa Romeo. Schumacher missed out on scoring his first points but still took home his best result so far in 11th. Pierre Gasly failed to finish after his AlphaTauri expired in a plume of smoke and flame.

Formula One: Charles Leclerc wins season-opening Bahrain GP as Ferrari finishes 1-2

Sir Rod Stewart needs no help!&nbsp; 
 
Legendary British rocker fixed the potholes near his home in Essex, south-east England after he faced trouble while driving his Ferrari through the damaged road. 
 
The 77-year-old shared a video of himself on Instagram where he can be seen working on the road, “I’m repairing the street near where I live because no one can be bothered to do it.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jane-campion-apologizes-for-harsh-comment-on-serena-venus-williams-at-cca-2022-i-celebrate-you-462428" hreflang="en">Jane Campion apologises for her harsh comment on Serena &amp; Venus Williams at CCA 2022: ‘I celebrate you’</a> 
 
The singer explained in one video that the road has been in a state of disrepair “for ages”, so he and his pals&nbsp;decided to do the job.

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He said: “This is the state of the road near where I live in Harlow and it’s been like this for ages. So me and the boys thought we would come and do it ourselves.” 
 
“People are bashing their cars up,” he added. “The other day, there was an ambulance with a burst tyre. My Ferrari can’t go through here at all.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/love-life-spotlight-kardashian-jenner-clan-is-back-with-new-trailer-462375" hreflang="en">From Kim K's love life to more babies: The Kardashians trailer covers it all</a> 
 
''Working for a living, filling holes is good for the soul!'' he captioned the post. In the video, he is seen wearing a tracksuit and high-vis vest. 
 
Responding to his post, an Essex County Council cabinet member has promised that they will rectify the issue. 
 
This is not the first time, when Stewert is in the headlines for his unusual activities. Recently, he posted a video of his family where they all are cleaning up the kitchen.&nbsp; 
 
Last year, Stewart has released his new album&nbsp;'The Tears of Hercules' and is all set to kick off a tour in the US and Canada in June.&nbsp;

Sir Rod Stewart needs no help! Legendary British rocker fixed the potholes near his home in Essex, south-east England after he faced trouble while driving his Ferrari through the damaged road.

Sir Rod Stewart needs no help! Legendary British rocker fixed the potholes near his home in Essex, south-east England after he faced trouble while driving his Ferrari through the damaged road. The 77-year-old shared a video of himself on Instagram where he can be seen working on the road, “I’m repairing the street near where I live because no one can be bothered to do it.” Jane Campion apologises for her harsh comment on Serena & Venus Williams at CCA 2022: ‘I celebrate you’ The singer explained in one video that the road has been in a state of disrepair “for ages”, so he and his pals decided to do the job. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sir Rod Stewart (@sirrodstewart) × He said: “This is the state of the road near where I live in Harlow and it’s been like this for ages. So me and the boys thought we would come and do it ourselves.” “People are bashing their cars up,” he added. “The other day, there was an ambulance with a burst tyre. My Ferrari can’t go through here at all.” From Kim K's love life to more babies: The Kardashians trailer covers it all ''Working for a living, filling holes is good for the soul!'' he captioned the post. In the video, he is seen wearing a tracksuit and high-vis vest. Responding to his post, an Essex County Council cabinet member has promised that they will rectify the issue. This is not the first time, when Stewert is in the headlines for his unusual activities. Recently, he posted a video of his family where they all are cleaning up the kitchen. Last year, Stewart has released his new album 'The Tears of Hercules' and is all set to kick off a tour in the US and Canada in June.

My Ferrari can't go through! Rod Stewart repairs damaged road near his home in England

The wealth of billionaires is increasing over the last two years. The sale of luxury and also super luxury brands has also registered astronomical growth. In the latest in the league is the super luxury sports car maker Ferrari that orders stretching into the year 2023 after having delivered a record number of cars last year.

Strong orders at Ferrari set to support growth after record 2021 sales

The Ferrari Portofino M, which features the legendary ‘M’ suffix, for Modificata, in its name, is the evolution of the Ferrari Portofino. It features a slew of new technologies and design features, most notably an F1-inspired 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a five-position Manettino, an absolute first for a Ferrari GT convertible. We took it for a drive, and here is how it went.

Ferrari Portofino M review: The new Prancing Horse 2+ Spider

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on many facets of human life globally.

It has caused significant illness and death in every area of the globe, developing into an unprecedented pandemic — the only one to afflict such a huge proportion of the world's population since the Spanish flu in the early 20th century.

The number of deaths and positive cases shocked and frightened the whole country. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-on-course-to-deliver-one-billion-covid-vaccinations-why-is-it-a-big-deal-422256">Also read | India on course to deliver one billion Covid vaccinations: Why is it a big deal?</a>

However, with the aid of stringent procedures rigidly followed by the health care system, the Indian government and its people, the disease was more or less stopped in its tracks.

Mass vaccinations, successful containment and mitigation methods, have proved to be a boon to the country.

The Indian health care system that has been frequently labelled as inefficient, sluggish and bureaucratic has gone on to demonstrate how even the most experienced observers may be misled by appearances. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcgi-seeks-technical-opinion-to-approve-covaxin-for-kids-421886">DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids</a>

It has convincingly demonstrated that, while it may resemble the good old ambassador car, it is propelled by none other than the prancing horse of Ferrari.

So what really has made a difference?&nbsp;

Clearly, India has learnt from past failures in organisation and deployment.

The country, in recent years, had tremendous failures in coordination between states and the centre when rollouts happened on ambitious, well-meaning schemes such as Goods and Services Tax.

In the past, there have been coordination failures, at least by way of allegations, in the Indian parliamentary elections. The greatest democratic exercise known to mankind.

But this time, in the face of an unprecedented crisis, India banded together. And more remarkably, the formless, shapeless, "system" seems to have come together to deliver the biggest vaccination drive ever, in the face of odds that the rest of the world, especially our friends in the West, imagined to be insurmountable. And remember, much of the developed world is still struggling with their vaccination drives due to a combination of ignorance, misinformation and logistical issues.

So, what really made the impossible possible for India? Whatever we may think of the "system" as Indians, it does react when it needs to, and it did.

Our civil services system, which is infamously difficult to get into, has delivered.

People who can make a difference have made a difference, proving that they can, and do, deliver when needed.

Most importantly, the political menagerie came together and understood that irrespective of their ideological differences, saving Indian lives is more important than anything else on the agenda.

So while people in Georgia still dispute the merits of the vaccine, people in Gorakhpur are lining up to get vaccinated.

We can reserve the discussion about who is "civilised" for another day.

For now, we can say for sure that the world can learn from India a thing or two about managing pandemics.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on many facets of human life globally. It has caused significant illness and death in every area of the globe, developing into an unprecedented pandemic — the only one to afflict such a huge proportion of the world's population since the Spanish flu in the early 20th century.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on many facets of human life globally. It has caused significant illness and death in every area of the globe, developing into an unprecedented pandemic — the only one to afflict such a huge proportion of the world's population since the Spanish flu in the early 20th century. The number of deaths and positive cases shocked and frightened the whole country. Also read | India on course to deliver one billion Covid vaccinations: Why is it a big deal? However, with the aid of stringent procedures rigidly followed by the health care system, the Indian government and its people, the disease was more or less stopped in its tracks. Mass vaccinations, successful containment and mitigation methods, have proved to be a boon to the country. The Indian health care system that has been frequently labelled as inefficient, sluggish and bureaucratic has gone on to demonstrate how even the most experienced observers may be misled by appearances. Also Read | DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids It has convincingly demonstrated that, while it may resemble the good old ambassador car, it is propelled by none other than the prancing horse of Ferrari. So what really has made a difference? Clearly, India has learnt from past failures in organisation and deployment. The country, in recent years, had tremendous failures in coordination between states and the centre when rollouts happened on ambitious, well-meaning schemes such as Goods and Services Tax. In the past, there have been coordination failures, at least by way of allegations, in the Indian parliamentary elections. The greatest democratic exercise known to mankind. But this time, in the face of an unprecedented crisis, India banded together. And more remarkably, the formless, shapeless, "system" seems to have come together to deliver the biggest vaccination drive ever, in the face of odds that the rest of the world, especially our friends in the West, imagined to be insurmountable. And remember, much of the developed world is still struggling with their vaccination drives due to a combination of ignorance, misinformation and logistical issues. So, what really made the impossible possible for India? Whatever we may think of the "system" as Indians, it does react when it needs to, and it did. Our civil services system, which is infamously difficult to get into, has delivered. People who can make a difference have made a difference, proving that they can, and do, deliver when needed. Most importantly, the political menagerie came together and understood that irrespective of their ideological differences, saving Indian lives is more important than anything else on the agenda. So while people in Georgia still dispute the merits of the vaccine, people in Gorakhpur are lining up to get vaccinated. We can reserve the discussion about who is "civilised" for another day. For now, we can say for sure that the world can learn from India a thing or two about managing pandemics.

India's mammoth COVID-19 vaccination drive: The body is an Ambassador car, but the engine is a Ferrari

Even when the world is going through the coronavirus pandemic, luxury car makers are showing no signs of stress. Italian luxury car maker Ferrari is stuck to its 2021 target. It also increased its industrial cash flow.

Ferrari shows no signs of stress even amid COVID pandemic, sticks to its 2021 target

Italian luxury sports car maker Ferrari has diversified, presenting its first fashion collection and launching itself into the high-end restaurant business.

The brand colours of red and yellow dominated at Sunday's debut catwalk show, which took place amid the production lines of Ferrari's Maranello base in northern Italy.

Designed by Armani veteran Rocco Iannone, Ferrari's creative director, there were oversized bomber jackets and parkas, blending nylon, silk and recycled fabrics, worn with loose or fitted skirts, shorts and trousers.

Many of them carried the Ferrari logo, could be worn by men or women and showcased what the company called a "bold, intrepid and assertive" style.

On Tuesday, Ferrari will reopen to the public the legendary Cavallino restaurant at Maranello, under the direction of Italian chef Massimo Bottura, who has three Michelin stars.

It began life as a canteen and became the favourite spot of the brand's charismatic founder, Enzo Ferrari, to receive employees, clients and friends in a small private room.

It opened to the public for the first time in 1950 and has been remodelled over the last 18 months by architect and designer India Mahdavi.&nbsp;

Ferrari chief John Elkann said the company was keen to "support excellence and the best Italian creativity".

Italian luxury sports car maker Ferrari has diversified, presenting its first fashion collection and launching itself into the high-end restaurant business. The brand colours of red and yellow dominated at Sunday's debut catwalk show, which took place amid the production lines of Ferrari's Maranello base in northern Italy.

Italian luxury sports car maker Ferrari has diversified, presenting its first fashion collection and launching itself into the high-end restaurant business. The brand colours of red and yellow dominated at Sunday's debut catwalk show, which took place amid the production lines of Ferrari's Maranello base in northern Italy. Designed by Armani veteran Rocco Iannone, Ferrari's creative director, there were oversized bomber jackets and parkas, blending nylon, silk and recycled fabrics, worn with loose or fitted skirts, shorts and trousers. Many of them carried the Ferrari logo, could be worn by men or women and showcased what the company called a "bold, intrepid and assertive" style. On Tuesday, Ferrari will reopen to the public the legendary Cavallino restaurant at Maranello, under the direction of Italian chef Massimo Bottura, who has three Michelin stars. It began life as a canteen and became the favourite spot of the brand's charismatic founder, Enzo Ferrari, to receive employees, clients and friends in a small private room. It opened to the public for the first time in 1950 and has been remodelled over the last 18 months by architect and designer India Mahdavi. Ferrari chief John Elkann said the company was keen to "support excellence and the best Italian creativity".

Ferrari moves into food and fashion

Anyone can easily own a Basquiat painting, a pair of Yeezy sneakers or even a&nbsp;Ferrari, at least, that's the promise of a growing number of fractional ownership platforms that sell shares of these rare items, starting at just a few dollars.

One platform, Masterworks, in spring 2020 turned the $6 million painting "The Mosque" by Jean-Michel Basquiat into 284,420 shares at $20 each.

With fractional ownership, there's no chance of hanging the painting in a buyer's home, parking a Lamborghini in their garage or storing six bottles of Romanee-Conti wine in their cellar.

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But by owning at least a piece of the property, at least on paper, like the shares of a publicly listed company, anyone can now directly benefit from an increase in the item's value, just like a wealthy collector.

Whether it's paintings or baseball cards, "it's not a new industry," says Ezra Levine, the CEO of Collectable, a platform that specializes in sports paraphernalia.

"It's not like cryptocurrencies where it was literally invented five or 10 years ago," he said. "It's just that the ways that people can participate in (the market) and experience it, enjoy it, have just dramatically changed in the last six months."

Slugger, the username of a collector who preferred to stay anonymous, made a 500 per cent profit on a few shares of a box of Pokemon cards, initially priced at $125,000.

The platform Rally had offered the box via an IPO, similar to the listing of a company on the stock market and also subject to controls by the US market regulator, the SEC.

"These fractional platforms just open up the class to people who can't afford to buy a full (Michael) Jordan (trading) card," said John Schuck, 43, whose holdings amount to about $20,000 in cars, paintings or sports memorabilia.

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The concept of shared ownership of physical assets started with real estate. Over the past 20 years, it has expanded to include private jets and yachts, but entry prices have remained high and largely inaccessible to the general public.

The new fractional platforms have drastically lowered prices, sometimes to less than $10 a share.

Such entry prices allow sneaker enthusiasts, for instance, who initially built the "sneakerhead" culture but were priced out, to own at least a part of cult pieces, explains Gerome Sapp.

His platform, Rares, will in June list a pair of the Nike Air Yeezy 1 inspired by musician Kanye West, which it acquired for a record-breaking $1.8 million in late April.

'Purely an investment'

But the emotional aspect of buying is not quite the same, as most shareholders will never actually see the object in person, unlike old-school collectors. Rally opened a museum in New York that displays some of the pieces listed online, and Masterworks has a gallery, but few people plan on visiting.

"The fact that I can't touch it kind of takes away the emotion of it," said Gregg Love, who belongs to this new generation of collectors.

"I don't feel a connection at all to any of these assets," said Slugger. "This is purely an investment and entertainment for me."

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Considered a pioneer of this new fractional ownership trend, Rally has seen a major surge in interest during the coronavirus pandemic, surpassing 200,000 users, with about $25 million in assets listed on the platform.

Behind Rally, three competing platforms;&nbsp;Otis, Collectable and the more art-focused Masterworks,&nbsp;have more than 200,000 users combined. Many of those users, however, are active on several platforms at the same time.

During the pandemic, remote work, lockdowns and reduced leisure activities provided time and savings to many Americans, especially young professionals, who turned to the stock market or new investments.

"Many people had a lot of money in their account and were looking for a place to put it.&nbsp;We have been spoiled this past year with some of the returns we have seen," said Schuck.

But as wealthy countries slowly emerge from the pandemic, Schuck says he has started to notice a "slow-down" in the fractional ownership market.

Others also point to the effect of a potentially too-rapid increase in supply.

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Even though many assets are still priced, sometimes significantly, above their listing value, there is some concern about sharp price swings, which are much more pronounced than in the stock market.

Fractional ownership is still an experimental market, where price risks are very real. Slugger cites "panic selling" by recent investors, even though "nothing has fundamentally changed for the majority of these assets."

For Collectable chief Levine, in the long term, these platforms still offer "a much more efficient way of pricing things" than before.

The platforms increase transparency and democratize access, so that "a lot of people can impact prices, not just... a very select few," he said.

Anyone can easily own a Basquiat painting, a pair of Yeezy sneakers or even a Ferrari, at least, that's the promise of a growing number of fractional ownership platforms that sell shares of these rare items, starting at just a few dollars.

Anyone can easily own a Basquiat painting, a pair of Yeezy sneakers or even a Ferrari, at least, that's the promise of a growing number of fractional ownership platforms that sell shares of these rare items, starting at just a few dollars. One platform, Masterworks, in spring 2020 turned the $6 million painting "The Mosque" by Jean-Michel Basquiat into 284,420 shares at $20 each. With fractional ownership, there's no chance of hanging the painting in a buyer's home, parking a Lamborghini in their garage or storing six bottles of Romanee-Conti wine in their cellar. Also read | Second copy, but more expensive: China gears up to launch huge Titanic replica But by owning at least a piece of the property, at least on paper, like the shares of a publicly listed company, anyone can now directly benefit from an increase in the item's value, just like a wealthy collector. Whether it's paintings or baseball cards, "it's not a new industry," says Ezra Levine, the CEO of Collectable, a platform that specializes in sports paraphernalia. "It's not like cryptocurrencies where it was literally invented five or 10 years ago," he said. "It's just that the ways that people can participate in (the market) and experience it, enjoy it, have just dramatically changed in the last six months." Slugger, the username of a collector who preferred to stay anonymous, made a 500 per cent profit on a few shares of a box of Pokemon cards, initially priced at $125,000. The platform Rally had offered the box via an IPO, similar to the listing of a company on the stock market and also subject to controls by the US market regulator, the SEC. "These fractional platforms just open up the class to people who can't afford to buy a full (Michael) Jordan (trading) card," said John Schuck, 43, whose holdings amount to about $20,000 in cars, paintings or sports memorabilia. Also read | Israel's Gaza offensive: How 160 jets pounded 150 targets in 40 minutes with 450 missiles The concept of shared ownership of physical assets started with real estate. Over the past 20 years, it has expanded to include private jets and yachts, but entry prices have remained high and largely inaccessible to the general public. The new fractional platforms have drastically lowered prices, sometimes to less than $10 a share. Such entry prices allow sneaker enthusiasts, for instance, who initially built the "sneakerhead" culture but were priced out, to own at least a part of cult pieces, explains Gerome Sapp. His platform, Rares, will in June list a pair of the Nike Air Yeezy 1 inspired by musician Kanye West, which it acquired for a record-breaking $1.8 million in late April. 'Purely an investment' But the emotional aspect of buying is not quite the same, as most shareholders will never actually see the object in person, unlike old-school collectors. Rally opened a museum in New York that displays some of the pieces listed online, and Masterworks has a gallery, but few people plan on visiting. "The fact that I can't touch it kind of takes away the emotion of it," said Gregg Love, who belongs to this new generation of collectors. "I don't feel a connection at all to any of these assets," said Slugger. "This is purely an investment and entertainment for me." Also read | 'Alien' isotope found in Earth's crust Considered a pioneer of this new fractional ownership trend, Rally has seen a major surge in interest during the coronavirus pandemic, surpassing 200,000 users, with about $25 million in assets listed on the platform. Behind Rally, three competing platforms; Otis, Collectable and the more art-focused Masterworks, have more than 200,000 users combined. Many of those users, however, are active on several platforms at the same time. During the pandemic, remote work, lockdowns and reduced leisure activities provided time and savings to many Americans, especially young professionals, who turned to the stock market or new investments. "Many people had a lot of money in their account and were looking for a place to put it. We have been spoiled this past year with some of the returns we have seen," said Schuck. But as wealthy countries slowly emerge from the pandemic, Schuck says he has started to notice a "slow-down" in the fractional ownership market. Others also point to the effect of a potentially too-rapid increase in supply. Also read | Astronomer makes navigation system for interstellar space travel Even though many assets are still priced, sometimes significantly, above their listing value, there is some concern about sharp price swings, which are much more pronounced than in the stock market. Fractional ownership is still an experimental market, where price risks are very real. Slugger cites "panic selling" by recent investors, even though "nothing has fundamentally changed for the majority of these assets." For Collectable chief Levine, in the long term, these platforms still offer "a much more efficient way of pricing things" than before. The platforms increase transparency and democratize access, so that "a lot of people can impact prices, not just... a very select few," he said.

Ferraris for the people: Luxury goods now sold in fractions

Ferrari's Chief Executive Officer Louis Camilleri has announced his resignation after season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 65-year-old Italian cited personal reasons while he left his post.&nbsp;

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Camilleri was appointed in July 2018 as a replacement for Sergio Marchionne who was unwell and died days later. Camilleri himself recently got out of the hospital after being infected by severe COVID-19.&nbsp;

During his tenure, he brought in current team boss Mattia Binotto to replace Maurizio Arrivabene and this year deciding not to retain four-time champion, Sebastian Vettel, next season.

“Ferrari has been a part of my life and serving as its chief executive has been a great privilege,” said Camilleri in a statement issued by Ferrari.

“My admiration for the extraordinary men and women of Maranello and for the passion and dedication they apply to everything they do, knows no bounds.

“I’m proud of the company’s numerous achievements since 2018 and know that Ferrari’s best years are still to come.”

It has been a terrible season for Ferrari this year as they failed to win even a single race. In 2019, the team generated controversy by using an irregular power unit.

Ferrari’s executive chairman John Elkann has taken over as chief executive on a temporary basis.

Ferrari's Chief Executive Officer Louis Camilleri has announced his resignation after season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 65-year-old Italian cited personal reasons while he left his post.

Ferrari's Chief Executive Officer Louis Camilleri has announced his resignation after season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The 65-year-old Italian cited personal reasons while he left his post. Also read: Verstappen edges Bottas in Abu Dhabi practice as Hamilton makes quiet return Camilleri was appointed in July 2018 as a replacement for Sergio Marchionne who was unwell and died days later. Camilleri himself recently got out of the hospital after being infected by severe COVID-19. During his tenure, he brought in current team boss Mattia Binotto to replace Maurizio Arrivabene and this year deciding not to retain four-time champion, Sebastian Vettel, next season. “Ferrari has been a part of my life and serving as its chief executive has been a great privilege,” said Camilleri in a statement issued by Ferrari. “My admiration for the extraordinary men and women of Maranello and for the passion and dedication they apply to everything they do, knows no bounds. “I’m proud of the company’s numerous achievements since 2018 and know that Ferrari’s best years are still to come.” It has been a terrible season for Ferrari this year as they failed to win even a single race. In 2019, the team generated controversy by using an irregular power unit. Ferrari’s executive chairman John Elkann has taken over as chief executive on a temporary basis.

Ferrari's Chief Executive Officer Louis Camilleri resigns with immediate effect

Formula One teams Renault and Ferrari have voiced their opposition to a freeze of F1's engine regulations from 2022 that would enable Red Bull to take on Honda's power unit once the Japanese manufacturer leave.

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According to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, the preferred option is to take on the Honda power unit but the regulations would need to be frozen to make that affordable.

Mercedes, the dominant force in Formula One, have been supportive but Renault's Cyril Abiteboul said on Saturday it was a non-starter.

"I am against freezing the engines. We have no intention to stop what could be a very important platform for us. We do not accept it," the Frenchman said ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Italy's Imola circuit.

"We are in favour of talking about medium to long term plans for the engines of the future, but certainly not about freezing the power units."

Ferrari chief executive Louis Camilleri told La Gazzetta Dello Sport this week that freezing the power units went against the spirit of Formula One.

"From 2022, the regulations provide for the introduction of a fuel with a 10 per cent ethanol content, but the FIA wants to reach 100 per cent as soon as possible," he added.

"This inevitably involves the development of some engine components."

(Inputs from Reuters)

Formula One teams Renault and Ferrari have voiced their opposition to a freeze of F1's engine regulations from 2022 that would enable Red Bull to take on Honda's power unit once the Japanese manufacturer leave.

Formula One teams Renault and Ferrari have voiced their opposition to a freeze of F1's engine regulations from 2022 that would enable Red Bull to take on Honda's power unit once the Japanese manufacturer leave. Also read: Valterri Bottas snatches pole from Lewis Hamilton as F1 returns to Imola According to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, the preferred option is to take on the Honda power unit but the regulations would need to be frozen to make that affordable. Mercedes, the dominant force in Formula One, have been supportive but Renault's Cyril Abiteboul said on Saturday it was a non-starter. "I am against freezing the engines. We have no intention to stop what could be a very important platform for us. We do not accept it," the Frenchman said ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Italy's Imola circuit. "We are in favour of talking about medium to long term plans for the engines of the future, but certainly not about freezing the power units." Ferrari chief executive Louis Camilleri told La Gazzetta Dello Sport this week that freezing the power units went against the spirit of Formula One. "From 2022, the regulations provide for the introduction of a fuel with a 10 per cent ethanol content, but the FIA wants to reach 100 per cent as soon as possible," he added. "This inevitably involves the development of some engine components." (Inputs from Reuters)

'We do not accept it': Renault and Ferrari oppose Red Bull's engine freeze call

Pride, pain and a Schumacher: Ferrari celebrate 1,000th Grand Prix race

Six-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton's early season form has been great and many wonder if he could match or break Michael Schumacher's record of winning 91 Grand Prix.

Six-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton's early season form has been great and many wonder if he could match or break Michael Schumacher's record of winning 91 Grand Prix. Many predict this record could be broken on Ferrari's home soil in Italy in September. Hamilton has shown absolute class in previous two outings which includes his win at Hungary Grand Prix on Sunday. The race on Sunday marked his 86th win in Formula One. 2020's Formula One season was delayed due to coronavirus and will witness four races in August, with two at Hamilton's home circuit Silverstone, one in Spain and then the Belgian Grand Prix – before moving to Italy for two races. Formula One's most successful racer Micheal Schumacher won five of his seven titles and gained 72 of his 91 victories with Ferrari. If Hamilton keeps winning, he could be chasing the record at Monza on September 6 and Ferrari-owned Mugello a week later. Hamilton's win in Hungary matched Schumacher's record of winning eight races at a single venue. Schumacher won eight French Grands Prix. The defending champion has never won more than five races in succession in the past and will have to maintain his momentum at Silverstone in the two versions of the British Grand Prix without any support from a crowd. "I love Silverstone but I've got to say that's something that's bugging me a little bit," he said on Sunday after being reminded that the British races would be run behind closed doors. "It's the highlight of the year, the support is insane," he said. "It grows every year and I get to interact with the fans differently on that weekend and it's such an honour and privilege to be able to perform well and win a Grand Prix in your home country. "It feels great to be out there once you're in the zone, but I do miss the energy they bring. There's nothing like it. I don't have a lot of years left and that's going to be one year that I miss all the fans. "But I do want them to stay safe and we are in that period of time where safety is everything. So, I hope I can perform well for them there because I know they will be watching." (Inputs from AFP)

Lewis Hamilton 'on-track' to break Schumacher's record at Ferrari-owned Mugello

Sebastian Vettel provided a reminder of the talents that won him four drivers' world titles on Friday when he topped the times for Ferrari in a wet second practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The German driver, who is looking for a new team for 2021 after being told he will be surplus to Ferrari’s needs, clocked a best lap in one minute and 40.464 seconds to outpace nearest rival and championship leader Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes by 0.272s.

For Vettel and Ferrari, it was a welcome boost after last Sunday’s ignominious exit from the Styrian Grand Prix where Charles Leclerc collided with him on the opening lap, causing both men into early retirement.

Carlos Sainz, the man chosen to replace Vettel at Ferrari, was third fastest for McLaren ahead of Lance Stroll and his Racing Point 'pink Mercedes' team-mate Sergio Perez.

Pierre Gasly, who sat out the morning opening session topped by Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate Bottas, was sixth ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull, Romain Grosjean of Haas, Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo and Leclerc.

Defending six-time champion Lewis Hamilton was one of several drivers who decided to sit out the session without clocking a flying lap in the difficult conditions, the Briton choosing only to do a single installation lap.

More wet weather conditions are forecast for Budapest and the surrounding region on Saturday, making it likely that another wet qualifying session will take place. Last weekend’s qualifying at the Styrian Grand Prix was a thrilling spectacle in which Hamilton produced one of his greatest laps to take pole.

Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix for the 35th consecutive year, is the third to be run this year in the COVID-19 delayed season and takes place&nbsp;behind closed doors&nbsp;and under strictly-controlled protocol conditions that do not allow anyone from the travelling F1 circus to go anywhere other than their hotels, the circuit or the airport.&nbsp;

Bottas won the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix and Hamilton last Sunday's Styrian Grand Prix.&nbsp;Bottas leads Hamilton by six points in the title race.

Sebastian Vettel provided a reminder of the talents that won him four drivers' world titles on Friday when he topped the times for Ferrari in a wet second practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel provided a reminder of the talents that won him four drivers' world titles on Friday when he topped the times for Ferrari in a wet second practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The German driver, who is looking for a new team for 2021 after being told he will be surplus to Ferrari’s needs, clocked a best lap in one minute and 40.464 seconds to outpace nearest rival and championship leader Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes by 0.272s. For Vettel and Ferrari, it was a welcome boost after last Sunday’s ignominious exit from the Styrian Grand Prix where Charles Leclerc collided with him on the opening lap, causing both men into early retirement. Carlos Sainz, the man chosen to replace Vettel at Ferrari, was third fastest for McLaren ahead of Lance Stroll and his Racing Point 'pink Mercedes' team-mate Sergio Perez. Pierre Gasly, who sat out the morning opening session topped by Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate Bottas, was sixth ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull, Romain Grosjean of Haas, Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo and Leclerc. Defending six-time champion Lewis Hamilton was one of several drivers who decided to sit out the session without clocking a flying lap in the difficult conditions, the Briton choosing only to do a single installation lap. More wet weather conditions are forecast for Budapest and the surrounding region on Saturday, making it likely that another wet qualifying session will take place. Last weekend’s qualifying at the Styrian Grand Prix was a thrilling spectacle in which Hamilton produced one of his greatest laps to take pole. Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix for the 35th consecutive year, is the third to be run this year in the COVID-19 delayed season and takes place behind closed doors and under strictly-controlled protocol conditions that do not allow anyone from the travelling F1 circus to go anywhere other than their hotels, the circuit or the airport. Bottas won the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix and Hamilton last Sunday's Styrian Grand Prix. Bottas leads Hamilton by six points in the title race.

Ferrari relief as Vettel tops Hungarian second practice

Four-time Formula One Champion Sebastian Vettel will be quitting Ferrari at the end of 2020 after contract talks between the two broke down. Germany's tabloid Bild and Auto Motor und Sport reported regarding this on Monday.&nbsp;

According to these media reports, the German has rejected the terms offered in the new deal.

Team Ferrari has not commented on the matter yet. But they could release an official statement regarding the separation on Tuesday.&nbsp;

An Italian newspaper reported that Vettel was offered a one-year extension with a reduced salary.&nbsp;

The 32-year joined formula one's oldest and the most successful team in 2015 after winning the world championship four times with the Red Bull following his boyhood hero the seven-time world champion Micheal Schumacher who won five times with Ferrari.&nbsp;

 
Earlier this month, Vettel had told reporters that will be getting a new contract before the season delayed by coronavirus commences.&nbsp;

Ferrari has always put the German as their first choice over Charles Leclerc who won only two races last year.&nbsp;

The 22-year-old Leclerc has a contract with Ferrari until 2024 and is seen as a future to bring back Ferrari to its former glory.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Lewis Hamilton was linked to join Ferrari but he rubbished the rumours by telling that he intends to stay in Mercedes.

Four-time Formula One Champion Sebastian Vettel will be quitting Ferrari at the end of 2020 after contract talks between the two broke down. Germany's tabloid Bild and Auto Motor und Sport reported regarding this on Monday.

Four-time Formula One Champion Sebastian Vettel will be quitting Ferrari at the end of 2020 after contract talks between the two broke down. Germany's tabloid Bild and Auto Motor und Sport reported regarding this on Monday. According to these media reports, the German has rejected the terms offered in the new deal. Team Ferrari has not commented on the matter yet. But they could release an official statement regarding the separation on Tuesday. An Italian newspaper reported that Vettel was offered a one-year extension with a reduced salary. The 32-year joined formula one's oldest and the most successful team in 2015 after winning the world championship four times with the Red Bull following his boyhood hero the seven-time world champion Micheal Schumacher who won five times with Ferrari. Earlier this month, Vettel had told reporters that will be getting a new contract before the season delayed by coronavirus commences. Ferrari has always put the German as their first choice over Charles Leclerc who won only two races last year. The 22-year-old Leclerc has a contract with Ferrari until 2024 and is seen as a future to bring back Ferrari to its former glory. Earlier this year, Lewis Hamilton was linked to join Ferrari but he rubbished the rumours by telling that he intends to stay in Mercedes.

Formula One: German driver Sebastian Vettel to quit Ferrari by the end of 2020

A 7 per cent jump in shares, a $30 billion surge in market value, over 2,738 shipments in march, factories back in action and a possible contract-extension for its racing star Sebastian Vettel. Ferrari is speeding off the coronavirus speed-breaker. This Italian luxury car manufacturer is gaining mileage during this pandemic.

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On Monday, the company restarted its factories in Maranello and modena. Several other manufacturing units are expected to resume production. This re-opening is being called the 'back on track' operation because the company's profits are back on track.&nbsp;

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Ferrari has recorded strong first-quarter earnings. So strong, that it is now worth more than General Motors and Ford. General Motors' market cap fell to 29.3 billion dollars on Monday. Ford fell even lower to 19.2 billion dollars.

Ferrari beats them both, its market capitalization hit 30.1 billion dollars in early trading on the same day.

What makes this feat even more special for Ferrari, is the stark contrast in yearly manufacturing. Ferrari makes only 10,000 cars a year. General Motors produces about 7.7 million vehicles. 
&nbsp; 
What does this mean? 
That Ferrari earns as much profit selling 1 car as ford does selling 908. There's data to back this.

According to a report by the Fiat group, Ferrari earned a handsome profit of $94,000 for every car it sold in 2019.

While another rival, Japanese carmaker Nissan had to sell 926 cars to match this profit margin.

But despite these profits in the sale. The company has lowered its net revenue estimates to $3.9 from 4.5 billion for this year because its racing business is not yet back on track.

Ferrari expects its revenue from Formula One to be sharply lower than in 2019 because races cannot be run without spectators.

The turnover from brand projects too has reduced. Ferrari may have been slowed by the pandemic in one sector.

A 7 per cent jump in shares, a $30 billion surge in market value, over 2,738 shipments in march, factories back in action and a possible contract-extension for its racing star Sebastian Vettel.

A 7 per cent jump in shares, a $30 billion surge in market value, over 2,738 shipments in march, factories back in action and a possible contract-extension for its racing star Sebastian Vettel. Ferrari is speeding off the coronavirus speed-breaker. This Italian luxury car manufacturer is gaining mileage during this pandemic. Also read: COVID-19 effect: US trade deficit widens to $44.4 billion; UK car sales crashes to 1946 level On Monday, the company restarted its factories in Maranello and modena. Several other manufacturing units are expected to resume production. This re-opening is being called the 'back on track' operation because the company's profits are back on track. Also read: Global Markets: Stocks fall as US-China tensions threaten rebound Ferrari has recorded strong first-quarter earnings. So strong, that it is now worth more than General Motors and Ford. General Motors' market cap fell to 29.3 billion dollars on Monday. Ford fell even lower to 19.2 billion dollars. Ferrari beats them both, its market capitalization hit 30.1 billion dollars in early trading on the same day. What makes this feat even more special for Ferrari, is the stark contrast in yearly manufacturing. Ferrari makes only 10,000 cars a year. General Motors produces about 7.7 million vehicles. What does this mean? That Ferrari earns as much profit selling 1 car as ford does selling 908. There's data to back this. According to a report by the Fiat group, Ferrari earned a handsome profit of $94,000 for every car it sold in 2019. While another rival, Japanese carmaker Nissan had to sell 926 cars to match this profit margin. But despite these profits in the sale. The company has lowered its net revenue estimates to $3.9 from 4.5 billion for this year because its racing business is not yet back on track. Ferrari expects its revenue from Formula One to be sharply lower than in 2019 because races cannot be run without spectators. The turnover from brand projects too has reduced. Ferrari may have been slowed by the pandemic in one sector.

Amid COVID-19, Ferrari overtakes Ford, General Motors after $30 billion surge in market value

The principal of the Scuderia Ferrari Mattia Binotto has said the team will reconsider their availability in Formula One shortly if austere budget caps are imposed.&nbsp;

Formula One has come to a halt with no races conducted in this year's championship, thus leading to major hit in their finances. So the F1 authorities had decided in cutting down on team budget but Ferrari boss is against this decision as he feels cutting down the budget will risk depreciating F1 as the zenith of motorsport.

In 2019, before the pandemic hit the sport, teams had agreed to a budget cap of $175 million for 2021. But after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the sport has come to a halt. With nine races being cancelled, this year the championship is on the verge of being called off.&nbsp;

After the last week meeting between the FIA and the teams, a budget on $145 million was set for 2021 and $130 million for 2022 was proposed. But the teams did not agree with the budget scale. Binotto, who heads the oldest Formula One team threatened that Ferrari will walk away from the sport.&nbsp;

Mattia Binotto told the Guardian: “The $145m level is already a new and demanding request compared to what was set out last June. It cannot be attained without further significant sacrifices, especially in terms of our human resources. If it was to get even lower, we would not want to be put in a position of having to look at other further options for deploying our racing DNA.”

Ferrari is the oldest team in the sport, who has been competing in the sport since the first championship in 1950.&nbsp;

“F1, we have all sorts of teams with different characteristics,” Binotto said. “They operate in different countries, under different legislation and with their ways of working. Therefore it is not simple and straightforward to make structural changes simply by linearly cutting costs.

“We are well aware that F1 and indeed the whole world right now is going through a particularly difficult time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this is not the time to react in a hurry as there’s a risk of making decisions on the back of this emergency without clearly evaluating all the consequences.”

Binotto said that Ferrari has represented the country (Italy, which is one of the worst-hit nations in terms of coronavirus pandemic) and it is their "ethical duty" to look after their personals and avoid large scale job losses. He even stressed that this company is way more than just making profits.&nbsp;

Team Red Bull's principal Christian Horner also did not agree to the new budget planned.&nbsp;

The principal of the Scuderia Ferrari Mattia Binotto has said the team will reconsider their availability in Formula One shortly if austere budget caps are imposed.

The principal of the Scuderia Ferrari Mattia Binotto has said the team will reconsider their availability in Formula One shortly if austere budget caps are imposed. Formula One has come to a halt with no races conducted in this year's championship, thus leading to major hit in their finances. So the F1 authorities had decided in cutting down on team budget but Ferrari boss is against this decision as he feels cutting down the budget will risk depreciating F1 as the zenith of motorsport. In 2019, before the pandemic hit the sport, teams had agreed to a budget cap of $175 million for 2021. But after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the sport has come to a halt. With nine races being cancelled, this year the championship is on the verge of being called off. After the last week meeting between the FIA and the teams, a budget on $145 million was set for 2021 and $130 million for 2022 was proposed. But the teams did not agree with the budget scale. Binotto, who heads the oldest Formula One team threatened that Ferrari will walk away from the sport. Mattia Binotto told the Guardian: “The $145m level is already a new and demanding request compared to what was set out last June. It cannot be attained without further significant sacrifices, especially in terms of our human resources. If it was to get even lower, we would not want to be put in a position of having to look at other further options for deploying our racing DNA.” Ferrari is the oldest team in the sport, who has been competing in the sport since the first championship in 1950. “F1, we have all sorts of teams with different characteristics,” Binotto said. “They operate in different countries, under different legislation and with their ways of working. Therefore it is not simple and straightforward to make structural changes simply by linearly cutting costs. “We are well aware that F1 and indeed the whole world right now is going through a particularly difficult time because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this is not the time to react in a hurry as there’s a risk of making decisions on the back of this emergency without clearly evaluating all the consequences.” Binotto said that Ferrari has represented the country (Italy, which is one of the worst-hit nations in terms of coronavirus pandemic) and it is their "ethical duty" to look after their personals and avoid large scale job losses. He even stressed that this company is way more than just making profits. Team Red Bull's principal Christian Horner also did not agree to the new budget planned.

Principal of Scuderia Mattia Binotto threatens Ferrari will quit Formula One over COVID-19 cancellations

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto Tuesday urged his team to "put a smile on people's faces" at the Australian Grand Prix as Italy went into lockdown to combat coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-italian-sporting-events-including-serie-a-suspended-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-285360" hreflang="en">All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak</a>

Most teams, including the Scuderia, are already in Melbourne or en route for the opening race of the year on Sunday, which organisers have said will go ahead as scheduled in front of packed grandstands despite the coronavirus outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-fixture-delayed-due-to-confusion-over-italian-sports-ministers-post-calling-for-suspension-of-league-285134" hreflang="en">Serie A: Fixture delayed due to confusion over Italian Sports Minister's post calling for suspension of league</a>

In contrast, all sporting events in Italy have been suspended until April 3 as part of tough measures announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday to tackle the disease, and Bahrain, the season's second race, has barred fans.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inter-milan-chairman-zhang-lashes-out-on-serie-a-chairman-over-coronavirus-284172">Inter Milan chairman Zhang lashes out on Serie A chairman over coronavirus</a>

Italy's clampdown came into force after the country reported 97 more deaths on Monday, taking its toll to 463. Australia has recorded three deaths with 101 confirmed cases as of Tuesday morning.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-bahrain-grand-prix-will-be-held-with-no-spectators-due-to-coronavirus-fears-285163" hreflang="en">F1: Bahrain Grand Prix will be held with no spectators due to coronavirus fears</a>

Ferarri said in a statement that despite it being "a very difficult time in Italy" the Australian Grand Prix would start as planned and the Scuderia "will be there".

Binotto added that he hoped the Maranello-based team, and the Grand Prix weekend as a whole, could help take people's minds off the crisis.

"At what is a difficult time for Italy and the world as a whole, as part of a global sport, it is our obligation to try and put a smile on people's faces as they prepare to watch the first race of the season with the same sense of anticipation as ourselves," he said.

Ferrari head into the season with a new SF1000 car, which is narrower than last season's SF90, and with a deeper red colouring.

The team is pinning its hopes on the machine earning the drivers' and constructors' titles that have eluded them for 12 and 11 years respectively.

"After a long winter working on building and developing our car, the time has come to get the first indication of our performance level and how effective are the improvements we have introduced over the past few months," said Binotto.

"We know that the opposition is strong, but we also know that it is the start of a long season where development rate, reliability, and our operational effectiveness will be key."

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who impressed on his debut last season, will again be in the cockpits.

Vettel said he was keen to get racing underway after pre-season testing in Spain suggested world champions Mercedes would be the team to beat once more.

"The first race of the season is always special and I think it will allow us to get a better idea than we had in testing as to what the hierarchy is between the teams," said the German.

He added that the Albert Park track was "a real technical challenge and that's probably the reason we drivers like it so much".&nbsp;

Ferrari has nine wins in Australia, the first through Gerhard Berger in 1987 and the last from Vettel in 2018.

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto Tuesday urged his team to "put a smile on people's faces" at the Australian Grand Prix as Italy went into lockdown to combat coronavirus.

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto Tuesday urged his team to "put a smile on people's faces" at the Australian Grand Prix as Italy went into lockdown to combat coronavirus. Also read: All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak Most teams, including the Scuderia, are already in Melbourne or en route for the opening race of the year on Sunday, which organisers have said will go ahead as scheduled in front of packed grandstands despite the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Serie A: Fixture delayed due to confusion over Italian Sports Minister's post calling for suspension of league In contrast, all sporting events in Italy have been suspended until April 3 as part of tough measures announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday to tackle the disease, and Bahrain, the season's second race, has barred fans. Also read: Inter Milan chairman Zhang lashes out on Serie A chairman over coronavirus Italy's clampdown came into force after the country reported 97 more deaths on Monday, taking its toll to 463. Australia has recorded three deaths with 101 confirmed cases as of Tuesday morning. Also read: F1: Bahrain Grand Prix will be held with no spectators due to coronavirus fears Ferarri said in a statement that despite it being "a very difficult time in Italy" the Australian Grand Prix would start as planned and the Scuderia "will be there". Binotto added that he hoped the Maranello-based team, and the Grand Prix weekend as a whole, could help take people's minds off the crisis. "At what is a difficult time for Italy and the world as a whole, as part of a global sport, it is our obligation to try and put a smile on people's faces as they prepare to watch the first race of the season with the same sense of anticipation as ourselves," he said. Ferrari head into the season with a new SF1000 car, which is narrower than last season's SF90, and with a deeper red colouring. The team is pinning its hopes on the machine earning the drivers' and constructors' titles that have eluded them for 12 and 11 years respectively. "After a long winter working on building and developing our car, the time has come to get the first indication of our performance level and how effective are the improvements we have introduced over the past few months," said Binotto. "We know that the opposition is strong, but we also know that it is the start of a long season where development rate, reliability, and our operational effectiveness will be key." Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who impressed on his debut last season, will again be in the cockpits. Vettel said he was keen to get racing underway after pre-season testing in Spain suggested world champions Mercedes would be the team to beat once more. "The first race of the season is always special and I think it will allow us to get a better idea than we had in testing as to what the hierarchy is between the teams," said the German. He added that the Albert Park track was "a real technical challenge and that's probably the reason we drivers like it so much". Ferrari has nine wins in Australia, the first through Gerhard Berger in 1987 and the last from Vettel in 2018.

Formula One: Ferrari wants to put 'smiles on faces' as Italy locks down

New hot wheels that will mesmerise fans on F-1 tracks this year

Ahead of the 2020 Formula one season, Ferrari unveiled their new SF1000 car in a glamorous event held on Tuesday hoping that they will end the title drought (last time they won the championship was back in 2007).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/max-guenther-becomes-youngest-driver-to-win-race-in-formula-e-275250">Max Guenther becomes youngest driver to win race in Formula E</a>

The car's name has a significance to it as the single-seater will begin its 1000th race for the Italian team in the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne&nbsp;on March 15.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="SF1000" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb12c526-149a-4508-aaea-7c5fb2430820" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_65.jpg" /> 
SF1000 | Reuters</h6>

Ferrari's team manager Mattia Binotto called this year "special" and said: "It's 70 years of Formula One, we have been there from the start and we are going to reach the figure of 1,000 Grands Prix, which is something incredible."&nbsp;

"Maybe it looks a lot like the SF90, but I can assure you it is very different," continued Binotto.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Seen something so beautiful 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/essereFerrari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#essereFerrari</a> 🔴 <a href="https://t.co/sDXMRDE1OV">https://t.co/sDXMRDE1OV</a> <a href="https://t.co/68SZJEcNBL">pic.twitter.com/68SZJEcNBL</a>
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1227334775746240513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The new SF1000 is narrower than previous season's SF90 car, it also will don a deeper red colour (Ferrari cars are well known for their red colour).&nbsp;

Their star driver Sebastian Vettel said that he liked the car. He said: "It's much narrower at the back than last year and it is also redder, it's even better. I'm impatient to drive it, that will be even more fascinating than looking at it."

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2020. New decade, same goal. 
 
Discover all contents at <a href="https://t.co/3v8D5ebZmw">https://t.co/3v8D5ebZmw</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SF1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SF1000</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/essereFerrari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#essereFerrari</a> 🔴 <a href="https://t.co/eXXUWhgc3U">pic.twitter.com/eXXUWhgc3U</a>
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1227319338014793728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ferrari's F1 team Scuderia broke their tradition, they chose the venue of the event to be at the Teatro Romolo-Valli, located in the nearby city of Reggio Emilia instead of their stronghold city of Maranello.&nbsp;

The chairman of the Ferrari group explained the reason behind it, he said: "This is a very important place for our country,".

He added: "It was in this city that the tricolour flag, which became that of Italy, was created. And Ferrari is proud of Italy and of representing Italy."

The four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who had an impressive debut last year are set to begin on equal footing.

Ahead of the 2020 Formula one season, Ferrari unveiled their new SF1000 car in a glamorous event held on Tuesday hoping that they will end the title drought (last time they won the championship was back in 2007).

Ahead of the 2020 Formula one season, Ferrari unveiled their new SF1000 car in a glamorous event held on Tuesday hoping that they will end the title drought (last time they won the championship was back in 2007). Also read: Max Guenther becomes youngest driver to win race in Formula E The car's name has a significance to it as the single-seater will begin its 1000th race for the Italian team in the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 15. SF1000 | Reuters Ferrari's team manager Mattia Binotto called this year "special" and said: "It's 70 years of Formula One, we have been there from the start and we are going to reach the figure of 1,000 Grands Prix, which is something incredible." "Maybe it looks a lot like the SF90, but I can assure you it is very different," continued Binotto. Seen something so beautiful 😍#essereFerrari 🔴 https://t.co/sDXMRDE1OV pic.twitter.com/68SZJEcNBL — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 11, 2020 × The new SF1000 is narrower than previous season's SF90 car, it also will don a deeper red colour (Ferrari cars are well known for their red colour). Their star driver Sebastian Vettel said that he liked the car. He said: "It's much narrower at the back than last year and it is also redder, it's even better. I'm impatient to drive it, that will be even more fascinating than looking at it." 2020. New decade, same goal. Discover all contents at https://t.co/3v8D5ebZmw#SF1000 #essereFerrari 🔴 pic.twitter.com/eXXUWhgc3U — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 11, 2020 × Ferrari's F1 team Scuderia broke their tradition, they chose the venue of the event to be at the Teatro Romolo-Valli, located in the nearby city of Reggio Emilia instead of their stronghold city of Maranello. The chairman of the Ferrari group explained the reason behind it, he said: "This is a very important place for our country,". He added: "It was in this city that the tricolour flag, which became that of Italy, was created. And Ferrari is proud of Italy and of representing Italy." The four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who had an impressive debut last year are set to begin on equal footing.

Formula one: Ferrari unveils new SF1000 car, hopes to end title drought

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-not-ruling-out-a-ferrari-switch-265758">Ferrari</a> have extended Charles Leclerc's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-ferrari-fined-50000-euros-for-fuel-irregularity-265674">Formula One</a> contract for five more years and to the end of the 2024 season, the Italian team announced on Monday.

The 22-year-old Monegasque won two races this year, his first season with Ferrari, and took more pole positions than any other driver.

Leclerc also finished fourth overall and above four-times world champion team mate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferraris-silly-crash-at-brazilian-grand-prix-leaves-team-with-big-consequences-263334">Sebastian Vettel</a>, whose contract expires at the end of 2020, in the season's standings.

"I am very happy to be staying on with Scuderia Ferrari. This past season, driving for the most illustrious team in Formula One has been a dream year for me," Leclerc said in a statement.

"I cannot wait to enjoy an even deeper relationship with the team after what has been an intense and exciting 2019. I’m keen to see what the future holds and I can’t wait to get going again next season."

The decision makes Leclerc central to the team's long-term plans, with Vettel's future far from certain after seeing his authority steadily eroded in a 2019 campaign clouded by mistakes.

It also means he will be a team mate to whoever succeeds Vettel, with six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton the subject of plenty of speculation about his plans after Mercedes. The Briton's contract also expires at the end of next year.

Team principal Mattia Binotto indicated the decision to commit to a graduate of the Ferrari Driver Academy, who made his F1 debut with Sauber (now competing as Alfa Romeo) in 2018, had been obvious.

"With each passing race this year, our wish to extend our contract with Charles became ever more self-evident and the decision means he will now be with us for the next five seasons," he said.

"It demonstrates that Charles and the Scuderia have a firm future together...I’m sure that together, we will write many new pages in the history of the Prancing Horse."

Ferrari have extended Charles Leclerc's Formula One contract for five more years and to the end of the 2024 season, the Italian team announced on Monday. The 22-year-old Monegasque won two races this year, his first season with Ferrari, and took more pole positions than any other driver.

Ferrari have extended Charles Leclerc's Formula One contract for five more years and to the end of the 2024 season, the Italian team announced on Monday. The 22-year-old Monegasque won two races this year, his first season with Ferrari, and took more pole positions than any other driver. Leclerc also finished fourth overall and above four-times world champion team mate Sebastian Vettel, whose contract expires at the end of 2020, in the season's standings. "I am very happy to be staying on with Scuderia Ferrari. This past season, driving for the most illustrious team in Formula One has been a dream year for me," Leclerc said in a statement. "I cannot wait to enjoy an even deeper relationship with the team after what has been an intense and exciting 2019. I’m keen to see what the future holds and I can’t wait to get going again next season." The decision makes Leclerc central to the team's long-term plans, with Vettel's future far from certain after seeing his authority steadily eroded in a 2019 campaign clouded by mistakes. It also means he will be a team mate to whoever succeeds Vettel, with six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton the subject of plenty of speculation about his plans after Mercedes. The Briton's contract also expires at the end of next year. Team principal Mattia Binotto indicated the decision to commit to a graduate of the Ferrari Driver Academy, who made his F1 debut with Sauber (now competing as Alfa Romeo) in 2018, had been obvious. "With each passing race this year, our wish to extend our contract with Charles became ever more self-evident and the decision means he will now be with us for the next five seasons," he said. "It demonstrates that Charles and the Scuderia have a firm future together...I’m sure that together, we will write many new pages in the history of the Prancing Horse."

Ferrari secure Charles Leclerc for the next five years

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/motor-racing-team-by-team-analysis-of-the-singapore-grand-prix-166217">Esteban&nbsp;Ocon</a>&nbsp;started work as a&nbsp;Renault&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-aims-for-zero-carbon-footprint-by-2030-261543">Formula One</a> driver in Abu Dhabi post-season testing on Tuesday,&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;year&nbsp;as a reserve for champions Mercedes, and said it was good to be back behind the wheel.

The 23-year-old Frenchman lost his drive with Racing Point at the end of 2018 but has returned to replace departed German Nico Hulkenberg for 2020.

He told France's Le Figaro newspaper he might have returned last weekend as a stand-in when Williams' British rookie George Russell reported sick at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but that did not happen.

"I couldn't get in the car. It was obviously impossible," the 1.86m driver said, reporting for duty at Yas Marina.

If the title-winning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-blames-mercedes-strategy-for-singapore-result-251434">Mercedes</a> was a squeeze, with six times world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas both shorter than&nbsp;Ocon, the Frenchman was closer to Hulkenberg's 1.84m measurement.

"My main focus was to get back up to speed," said&nbsp;Ocon.

"Trying to get a sensible position in the car too, and then once we’ve more or less done that it was also to get a first feel for the car and the new tyres. My position is a bit better in that car (the&nbsp;Renault), the seating position because there’s more space."

Teams were testing a mixture of 2019 and 2020 specification Pirelli tyres.

Bottas was fastest for Mercedes and completed 138 laps more than two full race distances on his last day at the wheel this&nbsp;year, with Russell taking over for the final day on Wednesday.

Sebastian Vettel was driving for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/2019-was-race-between-ferrari-and-cycle-akhilesh-yadav-223895">Ferrari</a>, and was second on the timesheets, with Max Verstappen testing for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-could-be-key-for-red-bulls-engine-decision-140662"> Red Bull</a>.

Williams gave former F2 driver Roy Nissany an&nbsp;outing and the 25-year-old Israeli, whose father Chanoch was a test driver for now-defunct Minardi in 2005, was slowest by more than three seconds.

Esteban Ocon started work as a Renault Formula One driver in Abu Dhabi post-season testing on Tuesday, after a year as a reserve for champions Mercedes, and said it was good to be back behind the wheel.

Esteban Ocon started work as a Renault Formula One driver in Abu Dhabi post-season testing on Tuesday, after a year as a reserve for champions Mercedes, and said it was good to be back behind the wheel. The 23-year-old Frenchman lost his drive with Racing Point at the end of 2018 but has returned to replace departed German Nico Hulkenberg for 2020. He told France's Le Figaro newspaper he might have returned last weekend as a stand-in when Williams' British rookie George Russell reported sick at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but that did not happen. "I couldn't get in the car. It was obviously impossible," the 1.86m driver said, reporting for duty at Yas Marina. If the title-winning Mercedes was a squeeze, with six times world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas both shorter than Ocon, the Frenchman was closer to Hulkenberg's 1.84m measurement. "My main focus was to get back up to speed," said Ocon. "Trying to get a sensible position in the car too, and then once we’ve more or less done that it was also to get a first feel for the car and the new tyres. My position is a bit better in that car (the Renault), the seating position because there’s more space." Teams were testing a mixture of 2019 and 2020 specification Pirelli tyres. Bottas was fastest for Mercedes and completed 138 laps more than two full race distances on his last day at the wheel this year, with Russell taking over for the final day on Wednesday. Sebastian Vettel was driving for Ferrari, and was second on the timesheets, with Max Verstappen testing for Red Bull. Williams gave former F2 driver Roy Nissany an outing and the 25-year-old Israeli, whose father Chanoch was a test driver for now-defunct Minardi in 2005, was slowest by more than three seconds.

Formula One: Ocon fits in at Renault after a year out

Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros&nbsp;on Sunday for a fuel irregularity on Charles Leclerc's car in Formula One's season-ending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-wraps-up-season-with-master-class-in-abu-dhabi-265667">Abu Dhabi Grand Prix</a> but the Monegasque driver retained third place.

The amount of fuel the car was carrying was checked before it left the pitlane to go on to the Yas Marina starting grid.

The FIA technical delegate found a "significant difference", later revealed to be 4.88kg, between the amount in the car and that declared.

Stewards, who included former racer Derek Warwick, determined the fine for an inaccurate declaration after summoning Ferrari representatives post-race.

Leclerc had been fighting for third in the overall standings with Red Bull’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Max Verstappen</a>, who finished second to Mercedes's race winner Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen’s team boss Christian Horner had said before the start he expected Leclerc to be disqualified.

"The technical regulations are black or white... usually with a case like that it's either legal or it isn't," he told Sky Sports television.

Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros on Sunday for a fuel irregularity on Charles Leclerc's car in Formula One's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but the Monegasque driver retained third place.

Ferrari were fined 50,000 euros on Sunday for a fuel irregularity on Charles Leclerc's car in Formula One's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but the Monegasque driver retained third place. The amount of fuel the car was carrying was checked before it left the pitlane to go on to the Yas Marina starting grid. The FIA technical delegate found a "significant difference", later revealed to be 4.88kg, between the amount in the car and that declared. Stewards, who included former racer Derek Warwick, determined the fine for an inaccurate declaration after summoning Ferrari representatives post-race. Leclerc had been fighting for third in the overall standings with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished second to Mercedes's race winner Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen’s team boss Christian Horner had said before the start he expected Leclerc to be disqualified. "The technical regulations are black or white... usually with a case like that it's either legal or it isn't," he told Sky Sports television.

Formula One: Ferrari fined 50,000 euros for fuel irregularity

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-hit-by-pioneering-spirit-as-f1-charts-new-course-259219">Lewis Hamilton </a>delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Starting from a record 88th pole position, the 34-year-old Briton was unchallenged from lights to flag as he cruised to an untroubled triumph 16 seconds ahead of Red Bull's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Max Verstappen</a> and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who faced a post-race investigation for fuel irregularities.

The six-times world champion’s success extended his points-scoring run to a record-equalling 33 races, levelling with his own record, and brought him his 50th victory from pole position.&nbsp;

"That was an absolute master-class," Hamilton's race engineer Peter Bonnington told him on team radio. "You didn’t even break into a sweat!"

The winner, who secured title number six with two races to go in Texas last month replied: "I can assure you, I am definitely sweating."&nbsp;

His fifth win at the Yas Marina circuit drew him level with Ayrton Senna in claiming a 19th start-to-finish triumph.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who had started from the back of the grid after taking a new engine, came home fourth ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and Alex Albon in the second Red Bull.

It was a welcome morale boost for the competitive Finn, three days after announcing the end of his three-year marriage to Emilia.

Sergio Perez took seventh for Racing Point on the final lap, Lando Norris was eighth for McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso ninth and Carlos Sainz, in the second McLaren, took 10th.

The race was preceded by drama for Ferrari when Leclerc’s car was discovered, during a pit-lane inspection, to have a fuel irregularity that revealed "significant discrepancies" and required a planned post-race stewards investigation.

Ferrari embarrassment&nbsp;

It was embarrassing for the team, in one of Ferrari's key markets and close to the Ferrari World theme park, but this seemed to have no effect on the Monegasque who made a strong start and passed Verstappen for second at Turn Eight on the opening lap.

Hamilton made a perfect start to his 250th F1 race and was 1.6 seconds clear after one lap and 3.3 by lap six as Leclerc launched his pursuit, moving two seconds clear of the Dutchman in a bid to overhaul him and take third in the drivers’ championship.

After a typically hot day, the sun went down and the floodlights came on around the track.

Verstappen pitted on lap 26, re-joining third behind Leclerc before, a lap later, Hamilton came in to take ‘hards’ in 3.2 seconds and retained his lead.&nbsp;

He was six seconds clear of Leclerc with Verstappen adrift by 4.6 and complaining of power problems.

Bottas came in on lap 30 for an impeccable stop, returning in sixth as Hamilton, in supreme form, clocked a fastest lap in 1:41.070 to go 12 seconds clear of Leclerc.

Despite his complaints, Verstappen had great speed and he passed Leclerc with a dazzling move at Turn Eight, which he defended stoutly, to take second and delight his ‘orange army’ in the grandstands.

Bottas then broke the track lap record, set by Vettel for Red Bull in 2009, with a 1:39.715. He was sixth and chasing down Albon with 19 laps to go.

On lap 39, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferraris-silly-crash-at-brazilian-grand-prix-leaves-team-with-big-consequences-263334">Leclerc and Vettel</a> pitted again, without problem this time, as Bottas took fourth from Albon. Verstappen, in radio conversation with his team, chuckled as he said: “Are both Ferraris on a two-stop? I can hear it behind you!”

The closing stages were punctuated by drama as Bottas closed down Leclerc to fight for third and Hamilton, on cue, clocked a new lap record in 1:39.283, setting himself up to claim another clean sweep of pole position, fastest lap and race victory.

It was the third time Hamilton had scored 11 wins in a season, equalling his records set in 2014 and last year.

Lewis Hamilton delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton delivered sumptuous confirmation of his title-winning supremacy on Sunday when he claimed his 84th career victory and 11th in 21 races this year by dominating the season-ending ‘twilight’ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Starting from a record 88th pole position, the 34-year-old Briton was unchallenged from lights to flag as he cruised to an untroubled triumph 16 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who faced a post-race investigation for fuel irregularities. The six-times world champion’s success extended his points-scoring run to a record-equalling 33 races, levelling with his own record, and brought him his 50th victory from pole position. "That was an absolute master-class," Hamilton's race engineer Peter Bonnington told him on team radio. "You didn’t even break into a sweat!" The winner, who secured title number six with two races to go in Texas last month replied: "I can assure you, I am definitely sweating." His fifth win at the Yas Marina circuit drew him level with Ayrton Senna in claiming a 19th start-to-finish triumph. Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who had started from the back of the grid after taking a new engine, came home fourth ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and Alex Albon in the second Red Bull. It was a welcome morale boost for the competitive Finn, three days after announcing the end of his three-year marriage to Emilia. Sergio Perez took seventh for Racing Point on the final lap, Lando Norris was eighth for McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso ninth and Carlos Sainz, in the second McLaren, took 10th. The race was preceded by drama for Ferrari when Leclerc’s car was discovered, during a pit-lane inspection, to have a fuel irregularity that revealed "significant discrepancies" and required a planned post-race stewards investigation. Ferrari embarrassment It was embarrassing for the team, in one of Ferrari's key markets and close to the Ferrari World theme park, but this seemed to have no effect on the Monegasque who made a strong start and passed Verstappen for second at Turn Eight on the opening lap. Hamilton made a perfect start to his 250th F1 race and was 1.6 seconds clear after one lap and 3.3 by lap six as Leclerc launched his pursuit, moving two seconds clear of the Dutchman in a bid to overhaul him and take third in the drivers’ championship. After a typically hot day, the sun went down and the floodlights came on around the track. Verstappen pitted on lap 26, re-joining third behind Leclerc before, a lap later, Hamilton came in to take ‘hards’ in 3.2 seconds and retained his lead. He was six seconds clear of Leclerc with Verstappen adrift by 4.6 and complaining of power problems. Bottas came in on lap 30 for an impeccable stop, returning in sixth as Hamilton, in supreme form, clocked a fastest lap in 1:41.070 to go 12 seconds clear of Leclerc. Despite his complaints, Verstappen had great speed and he passed Leclerc with a dazzling move at Turn Eight, which he defended stoutly, to take second and delight his ‘orange army’ in the grandstands. Bottas then broke the track lap record, set by Vettel for Red Bull in 2009, with a 1:39.715. He was sixth and chasing down Albon with 19 laps to go. On lap 39, Leclerc and Vettel pitted again, without problem this time, as Bottas took fourth from Albon. Verstappen, in radio conversation with his team, chuckled as he said: “Are both Ferraris on a two-stop? I can hear it behind you!” The closing stages were punctuated by drama as Bottas closed down Leclerc to fight for third and Hamilton, on cue, clocked a new lap record in 1:39.283, setting himself up to claim another clean sweep of pole position, fastest lap and race victory. It was the third time Hamilton had scored 11 wins in a season, equalling his records set in 2014 and last year.

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton wraps up season with 'master-class' in Abu Dhabi

Six times world champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-wraps-up-season-with-master-class-in-abu-dhabi-265667">Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton</a>&nbsp;did not deny meeting Ferrari chairman John Elkann when asked on Sunday about speculation linking the Mercedes driver with a move to the Italian team in 2021.

The 34-year-old Briton will be out of contract at the end of next season.

The next deal will probably be&nbsp;Hamilton’s last in Formula One and he has said he is considering options outside of Mercedes, where team principal Toto Wolff’s future is also up in the air. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"What happens behind closed doors is always private with whoever it is you end up sitting with,"&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;said in response to a question about Italian media reports that he had twice met Elkann.

"For many, many years I’ve never, ever sat down and considered other options because we’ve been just driving straight ahead into the path that we’ve been on...," added the Briton after winning the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"I know Toto is also looking at his options in terms of his future. So I’m waiting to see what he’s doing with that."

Hamilton&nbsp;joined Mercedes in 2013 as a one-time champion, replacing seven times title-holder Michael Schumacher, and with the British-based team still battling in the midfield.

He now has six titles and 84 wins, seven shy of Schumacher’s all-time record of 91, and has averaged 10 a year since 2014.

He can equal the German’s record title tally next season and the lure of going beyond that in one of the Italian team’s red cars could be too great to resist.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-ferrari-fined-50000-euros-for-fuel-irregularity-265674">Ferrari</a> boss Mattia Binotto, whose four-time champion driver Sebastian Vettel is out of contract at the end of 2020,&nbsp;praised&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;on Friday and said he was happy the Briton could be available.

Wolff said there was a 75 per cent&nbsp;chance&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;would stay with Mercedes.

"But equally, there is a 25 per cent&nbsp;chance that we are not in control of," added the Austrian, who on Saturday said he was totally open to&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;speaking with Ferrari.

The Briton said any decision to leave would not be easy.

"I love where I am so it’s definitely not a quick decision to go do something else,” said&nbsp;Hamilton, who owns several Ferrari road cars.

"But of course it’s only smart and wise for me to sit and think of what I want, if it is the last period or stage in my career."

Six times world champion Lewis Hamilton did not deny meeting Ferrari chairman John Elkann when asked on Sunday about speculation linking the Mercedes driver with a move to the Italian team in 2021.

Six times world champion Lewis Hamilton did not deny meeting Ferrari chairman John Elkann when asked on Sunday about speculation linking the Mercedes driver with a move to the Italian team in 2021. The 34-year-old Briton will be out of contract at the end of next season. The next deal will probably be Hamilton’s last in Formula One and he has said he is considering options outside of Mercedes, where team principal Toto Wolff’s future is also up in the air. "What happens behind closed doors is always private with whoever it is you end up sitting with," Hamilton said in response to a question about Italian media reports that he had twice met Elkann. "For many, many years I’ve never, ever sat down and considered other options because we’ve been just driving straight ahead into the path that we’ve been on...," added the Briton after winning the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. "I know Toto is also looking at his options in terms of his future. So I’m waiting to see what he’s doing with that." Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 as a one-time champion, replacing seven times title-holder Michael Schumacher, and with the British-based team still battling in the midfield. He now has six titles and 84 wins, seven shy of Schumacher’s all-time record of 91, and has averaged 10 a year since 2014. He can equal the German’s record title tally next season and the lure of going beyond that in one of the Italian team’s red cars could be too great to resist. Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, whose four-time champion driver Sebastian Vettel is out of contract at the end of 2020, praised Hamilton on Friday and said he was happy the Briton could be available. Wolff said there was a 75 per cent chance Hamilton would stay with Mercedes. "But equally, there is a 25 per cent chance that we are not in control of," added the Austrian, who on Saturday said he was totally open to Hamilton speaking with Ferrari. The Briton said any decision to leave would not be easy. "I love where I am so it’s definitely not a quick decision to go do something else,” said Hamilton, who owns several Ferrari road cars. "But of course it’s only smart and wise for me to sit and think of what I want, if it is the last period or stage in my career."

Lewis Hamilton not ruling out a Ferrari switch

By Mallika Singh

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto described the collision of Ferrari cars on Sunday’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Brazillian Grand Prix</a> as “silly”. Their drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in a small crash, taking them both out of the race and leaving the team with big consequences.&nbsp;

Binotto said that Sunday’s “mistakes were the mistakes of the drivers”, however, no fines or blame are to be handed out but the priority is going to be on making the drivers realise their mistakes and learning from them.&nbsp;

“I have heard from both drivers, but I will meet with them to discuss what happened. There will be time for the team to analyse the video and data. It is not a matter of fining or blaming,” Binotto said.&nbsp;

Ferrari is to launch an investigation into the conduct of Vettel and Leclerc, who have been summoned to the company’s Maranello headquarters, prior to the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi next week.&nbsp;

The crash comes after 20 races and has left Binotto to deal with the situation to make sure that the highly combustible pairing does not derail Ferrari from its 2020 campaign.&nbsp;

"What happened today, I would say it was even lucky it happened this season because there will be an opportunity to clarify with them for it not to happen next year," Binotto said.&nbsp;

The collision happened on lap 66 of the race, with five more left while the team was competing for the fourth place in a queue of cars being lined up behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-hamilton-waiting-on-wolff-ahead-of-2021-contract-talks-262244">Lewis Hamilton's</a> Mercedes and Red Bull's Alexander Albon.&nbsp;

Albon was trying to pass Hamilton, while Vettel was trying to cross him with Leclerc behind him.&nbsp;

Leclerc overtook Vettel through turn one and when the German came back at him, they clashed on the track, ripping Lecrec’s tyre off the rim and giving Vettel a right rear puncture, which put them both out of the race.&nbsp;

It is the first time the pair has hit another in this season, while Binotto has been trying to manage the inevitable situation which is stemmed in Lecrec outperforming Vettel’s superiority with seven wins and two poles.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/verstappens-comments-not-professional-or-mature-says-vettel-262261">Vettel</a> chose not to make public statements regarding the incident and answering questions by saying that "It doesn't matter now...we both didn't finish the race, which is bad for us as a team."

While Leclerc made the statement that “I was aware he was on the outside. I left little space but enough for him and then I think he tried to squeeze me a little bit towards the inside and we were very close so we touched straight away. Very disappointing to end a race like this."

Leclerc is currently in fourth place behind Verstappen and is leading Vettel by 19 points in the world championship and is set to beat the German if he finishes higher than the seventh place in Abu Dhabi

"Currently they have good relations and are going well together. Certainly what happened today may not help. But I don't think there is a drama at all and I see it more as an opportunity in view of next year to clarify what is needed," Binotto told reporters after the race.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

By Mallika Singh Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto described the collision of Ferrari cars on Sunday’s Brazillian Grand Prix as “silly”. Their drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in a small crash, taking them both out of the race and leaving the team with big consequences.

By Mallika Singh Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto described the collision of Ferrari cars on Sunday’s Brazillian Grand Prix as “silly”. Their drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel collided in a small crash, taking them both out of the race and leaving the team with big consequences. Binotto said that Sunday’s “mistakes were the mistakes of the drivers”, however, no fines or blame are to be handed out but the priority is going to be on making the drivers realise their mistakes and learning from them. “I have heard from both drivers, but I will meet with them to discuss what happened. There will be time for the team to analyse the video and data. It is not a matter of fining or blaming,” Binotto said. Ferrari is to launch an investigation into the conduct of Vettel and Leclerc, who have been summoned to the company’s Maranello headquarters, prior to the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi next week. The crash comes after 20 races and has left Binotto to deal with the situation to make sure that the highly combustible pairing does not derail Ferrari from its 2020 campaign. "What happened today, I would say it was even lucky it happened this season because there will be an opportunity to clarify with them for it not to happen next year," Binotto said. The collision happened on lap 66 of the race, with five more left while the team was competing for the fourth place in a queue of cars being lined up behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes and Red Bull's Alexander Albon. Albon was trying to pass Hamilton, while Vettel was trying to cross him with Leclerc behind him. Leclerc overtook Vettel through turn one and when the German came back at him, they clashed on the track, ripping Lecrec’s tyre off the rim and giving Vettel a right rear puncture, which put them both out of the race. It is the first time the pair has hit another in this season, while Binotto has been trying to manage the inevitable situation which is stemmed in Lecrec outperforming Vettel’s superiority with seven wins and two poles. Vettel chose not to make public statements regarding the incident and answering questions by saying that "It doesn't matter now...we both didn't finish the race, which is bad for us as a team." While Leclerc made the statement that “I was aware he was on the outside. I left little space but enough for him and then I think he tried to squeeze me a little bit towards the inside and we were very close so we touched straight away. Very disappointing to end a race like this." Leclerc is currently in fourth place behind Verstappen and is leading Vettel by 19 points in the world championship and is set to beat the German if he finishes higher than the seventh place in Abu Dhabi "Currently they have good relations and are going well together. Certainly what happened today may not help. But I don't think there is a drama at all and I see it more as an opportunity in view of next year to clarify what is needed," Binotto told reporters after the race. (With inputs from Reuters)

Ferrari’s 'silly' crash at Brazilian Grand Prix leaves team with big consequences

Max Verstappen won a thrilling Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix for Red Bull on Sunday after the Ferraris collided and Mercedes' six-times world champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-hamilton-waiting-on-wolff-ahead-of-2021-contract-talks-262244">Lewis Hamilton</a> was demoted from third to seventh.

In a race of safety cars and surprises, Verstappen's former team mate Pierre Gasly made a first podium appearance in second place for Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso, a rare Honda-powered one-two.

Hamilton chased the Frenchman across the line for third but was handed a five-second penalty for tangling with Red Bull's Alex Albon in a frantic finale to the season's penultimate round.

"I fully accept responsibility," said Hamilton, who also collected two penalty points and apologised to Albon for costing the rookie a likely first podium and Red Bull a one-two.

The Thai, who replaced Gasly at Red Bull in a seat switch last August, finished 14th after being sent spinning in the penultimate lap collision.

Hamilton's demotion lifted Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who started last after an engine problem in qualifying, to third and McLaren's first podium since the 2014 season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Both titles had already been won by Mercedes for an unprecedented sixth year in a row, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-painting-masterpiece-with-sixth-drivers-title-259841">Hamilton securing his sixth</a> in Texas two weeks ago.

Verstappen started from pole position, only the second of his career, but had to twice overtake Hamilton and avoid a near pitlane collision with Williams' Robert Kubica in a race he otherwise controlled.

The win was the eighth of his career, third of the season but first from pole.

It also made amends for last year's race at Interlagos where he was heading for victory before a coming together with French backmarker Esteban Ocon dropped him to second.

"Redemption Max, absolute redemption from last year," Red Bull principal Christian Horner told the 22-year-old over the team radio.

"The way we fought for it was even better," replied Verstappen, who led from the start while Hamilton passed Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel around the outside for second.

Victory lifted the Dutchman to third in the drivers' championship and best of the rest behind Hamilton and Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas,&nbsp;who suffered an engine-related retirement that brought out a first safety car.

Leclerc had started the day third overall, 14 points ahead of Verstappen, but a late duel with Vettel ended in recrimination.

The Monegasque passed the four times world champion, who was starting his 100th race for Ferrari, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/verstappens-comments-not-professional-or-mature-says-vettel-262261">Vettel</a> came back and the two banged wheels.

Vettel's rear tyre became a flailing carcass while Leclerc, who had climbed from 14th on the grid after an engine change, was hobbled by a smashed front suspension.

"What the hell?," shouted Leclerc while Vettel wondered what his team mate was doing. Both were summoned to see the stewards, who took no further action.

The first pitstop almost cost Verstappen dearly, with the Dutchman held up by Kubica exiting almost into him,&nbsp;an unsafe release that saw the Pole handed a five-second penalty.

Hamilton, who had pitted moments before on lap 20, was ahead but Verstappen swept past him after a brief duel.

The Mercedes driver pitted again on lap 44 for fresh tyres, but Verstappen countered with a faster stop of his own.

The Dutchman then pitted when Bottas pulled over and triggered the safety car on lap 53, with Hamilton, instructed to do the opposite to Verstappen, staying out to become a sitting target at the re-start.

The second safety car triggered by Ferrari offered Hamilton a chance to take on new tyres and he came back out for a final rush for the podium, with two laps of racing remaining.

Passing Gasly for third, he tried to pass Albon and collided.

Finland's 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen was fourth for Alfa Romeo with Italian team mate Antonio Giovinazzi fifth and Australian Daniel Ricciardo sixth for Renault.

McLaren's Lando Norris took eighth place ahead of Racing Point's Sergio Perez with Gasly's Russian team mate Daniil Kvyat completing the top 10.

Max Verstappen won a thrilling Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix for Red Bull on Sunday after the Ferraris collided and Mercedes' six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was demoted from third to seventh.

Max Verstappen won a thrilling Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix for Red Bull on Sunday after the Ferraris collided and Mercedes' six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was demoted from third to seventh. In a race of safety cars and surprises, Verstappen's former team mate Pierre Gasly made a first podium appearance in second place for Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso, a rare Honda-powered one-two. Hamilton chased the Frenchman across the line for third but was handed a five-second penalty for tangling with Red Bull's Alex Albon in a frantic finale to the season's penultimate round. "I fully accept responsibility," said Hamilton, who also collected two penalty points and apologised to Albon for costing the rookie a likely first podium and Red Bull a one-two. The Thai, who replaced Gasly at Red Bull in a seat switch last August, finished 14th after being sent spinning in the penultimate lap collision. Hamilton's demotion lifted Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who started last after an engine problem in qualifying, to third and McLaren's first podium since the 2014 season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Both titles had already been won by Mercedes for an unprecedented sixth year in a row, with Hamilton securing his sixth in Texas two weeks ago. Verstappen started from pole position, only the second of his career, but had to twice overtake Hamilton and avoid a near pitlane collision with Williams' Robert Kubica in a race he otherwise controlled. The win was the eighth of his career, third of the season but first from pole. It also made amends for last year's race at Interlagos where he was heading for victory before a coming together with French backmarker Esteban Ocon dropped him to second. "Redemption Max, absolute redemption from last year," Red Bull principal Christian Horner told the 22-year-old over the team radio. "The way we fought for it was even better," replied Verstappen, who led from the start while Hamilton passed Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel around the outside for second. Victory lifted the Dutchman to third in the drivers' championship and best of the rest behind Hamilton and Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas, who suffered an engine-related retirement that brought out a first safety car. Leclerc had started the day third overall, 14 points ahead of Verstappen, but a late duel with Vettel ended in recrimination. The Monegasque passed the four times world champion, who was starting his 100th race for Ferrari, but Vettel came back and the two banged wheels. Vettel's rear tyre became a flailing carcass while Leclerc, who had climbed from 14th on the grid after an engine change, was hobbled by a smashed front suspension. "What the hell?," shouted Leclerc while Vettel wondered what his team mate was doing. Both were summoned to see the stewards, who took no further action. The first pitstop almost cost Verstappen dearly, with the Dutchman held up by Kubica exiting almost into him, an unsafe release that saw the Pole handed a five-second penalty. Hamilton, who had pitted moments before on lap 20, was ahead but Verstappen swept past him after a brief duel. The Mercedes driver pitted again on lap 44 for fresh tyres, but Verstappen countered with a faster stop of his own. The Dutchman then pitted when Bottas pulled over and triggered the safety car on lap 53, with Hamilton, instructed to do the opposite to Verstappen, staying out to become a sitting target at the re-start. The second safety car triggered by Ferrari offered Hamilton a chance to take on new tyres and he came back out for a final rush for the podium, with two laps of racing remaining. Passing Gasly for third, he tried to pass Albon and collided. Finland's 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen was fourth for Alfa Romeo with Italian team mate Antonio Giovinazzi fifth and Australian Daniel Ricciardo sixth for Renault. McLaren's Lando Norris took eighth place ahead of Racing Point's Sergio Perez with Gasly's Russian team mate Daniil Kvyat completing the top 10.

Motor racing: Verstappen wins Brazil GP thriller as Ferraris collide

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue.

The German, whose 52nd and last win came at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, was second and third fastest on the timesheets in Friday’s two sessions at the Marina Bay track.

Team mate Charles Leclerc, who eclipsed Vettel with successive wins in Belgium and Italy, was 19th in the first session after being sidelined by a gearbox failure and sixth in the second.

While Vettel was just 0.167 seconds off pace-setter Max Verstappen’s Red Bull over the first 90 minutes, he was nearly a second off the pace set by Mercedes' championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the floodlit night-time running.

Ferrari's car was aerodynamically well-suited to the flat-out blasts of the Spa-Francorchamps and Monza circuits but the twisty Marina Bay street track, with more corners than any other circuit, has shifted the balance away from the Italian team.

"I think Mercedes was very strong today," said Vettel. "Everybody could see that, not just on one lap and not just on the timing tables.

"I think overall they were a bit faster. On our side we can do better, we can improve the car so let's see."

Vettel has won four times in Singapore, the same as five-times world champion Hamilton with the pair the most successful drivers at the event.

His last win in the city state came in 2015, his first year with Ferrari.

The German heads into this weekend’s race off the back of a scrappy display at Monza, Ferrari's home race, where he spun off and was sanctioned by stewards for rejoining the track dangerously.

That was the latest in a series of mistakes going back to last year’s German Grand Prix and he is now 13 points behind Leclerc in the standings.

The German's current form has fuelled speculation, despite his statements to the contrary, that he might not see out his Ferrari contract which runs out at the end of 2020.

"Certainly not the best one right now,” said Vettel when asked if this was the worst point of his career. "But also it’s not the worst one either.&nbsp;

"I still love racing and I look forward to a lot of races this year to hopefully get in a better position and finish the season in the way we want.&nbsp;

"Then prepare for next year."

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue.

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue. The German, whose 52nd and last win came at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, was second and third fastest on the timesheets in Friday’s two sessions at the Marina Bay track. Team mate Charles Leclerc, who eclipsed Vettel with successive wins in Belgium and Italy, was 19th in the first session after being sidelined by a gearbox failure and sixth in the second. While Vettel was just 0.167 seconds off pace-setter Max Verstappen’s Red Bull over the first 90 minutes, he was nearly a second off the pace set by Mercedes' championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the floodlit night-time running. Ferrari's car was aerodynamically well-suited to the flat-out blasts of the Spa-Francorchamps and Monza circuits but the twisty Marina Bay street track, with more corners than any other circuit, has shifted the balance away from the Italian team. "I think Mercedes was very strong today," said Vettel. "Everybody could see that, not just on one lap and not just on the timing tables. "I think overall they were a bit faster. On our side we can do better, we can improve the car so let's see." Vettel has won four times in Singapore, the same as five-times world champion Hamilton with the pair the most successful drivers at the event. His last win in the city state came in 2015, his first year with Ferrari. The German heads into this weekend’s race off the back of a scrappy display at Monza, Ferrari's home race, where he spun off and was sanctioned by stewards for rejoining the track dangerously. That was the latest in a series of mistakes going back to last year’s German Grand Prix and he is now 13 points behind Leclerc in the standings. The German's current form has fuelled speculation, despite his statements to the contrary, that he might not see out his Ferrari contract which runs out at the end of 2020. "Certainly not the best one right now,” said Vettel when asked if this was the worst point of his career. "But also it’s not the worst one either. "I still love racing and I look forward to a lot of races this year to hopefully get in a better position and finish the season in the way we want. "Then prepare for next year."

Sebastian Vettel leads Ferrari's Singapore charge but Mercedes on top

Former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher was admitted to a Paris hospital for "secret treatment" earlier on Monday, Le Parisien newspaper reported.

Schumacher turned 50 on January&nbsp;3 but has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps five years ago that left him with severe head injuries and in a medically-induced coma for several months.

Schumacher was taken to the Pompidou hospital in southwest Paris on Monday afternoon, Le Parisien said, without citing its sources.

The French newspaper said the former champion would undergo treatment based on stem-cell transfusion by French surgeon Philippe Menasche.

A spokeswoman for Schumacher did not immediately return a request for comment.

Schumacher remains motor racing's most successful driver, with a record 91 grand prix wins. He won his first two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before five in a row with Ferrari between 2000-2004.

In January his family released a statement saying he was in "the very best of hands".

Former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher was admitted to a Paris hospital for "secret treatment" earlier on Monday, Le Parisien newspaper reported. Schumacher turned 50 on January 3 but has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps five years ago that left him with severe head injuries and in a medically-induced coma for several months.

Former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher was admitted to a Paris hospital for "secret treatment" earlier on Monday, Le Parisien newspaper reported. Schumacher turned 50 on January 3 but has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps five years ago that left him with severe head injuries and in a medically-induced coma for several months. Schumacher was taken to the Pompidou hospital in southwest Paris on Monday afternoon, Le Parisien said, without citing its sources. The French newspaper said the former champion would undergo treatment based on stem-cell transfusion by French surgeon Philippe Menasche. A spokeswoman for Schumacher did not immediately return a request for comment. Schumacher remains motor racing's most successful driver, with a record 91 grand prix wins. He won his first two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before five in a row with Ferrari between 2000-2004. In January his family released a statement saying he was in "the very best of hands".

Michael Schumacher admitted to Paris hospital for 'secret treatment': Report

Charles Leclerc again set the pace for Ferrari as the Italian team led a crash-strewn first practice for their home grand prix at a soggy Monza on Friday.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Monegasque, on a high after his first Formula One victory in Belgium last weekend, lapped the historic circuit near Milan with a quickest time of one minute 27.905 seconds.&nbsp;

Ferrari and Monza are both celebrating 90th anniversaries this weekend, with a big crowd already on Friday despite the wet weather.&nbsp;

The morning featured three red flags and was hardly representative, however, with McLaren's Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris second and third on the timesheets and the track drying towards the end after heavy overnight rain.&nbsp;

Five-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, last year's winner for Mercedes, set the fourth fastest lap of 1:28.730 while Leclerc's German teammate Sebastian Vettel was only eighth quickest and 2.6 seconds off the pace.&nbsp;

Hamilton goes into the weekend with a 65 point lead over teammate Valtteri Bottas and all bets on where he wins the championship rather than whether.

Alfa Romeo's former Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen and Racing Point's Sergio Perez both crashed in the treacherous conditions while others spun later on, including Bottas who ended the session ninth fastest.

Raikkonen was first off at Parabolica with half an hour completed, while Perez hit the wall heavily at the Ascari chicane.

Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly caused the final red flag when his car hit a kerb at the first chicane and briefly caused an obstruction, before being shoved clear by marshals.

British-born Thai racer Alexander Albon, who has traded places with Gasly, was fifth fastest for Red Bull with teammate Max Verstappen seventh.

Verstappen will drop to the back end of the grid due to engine changes, along with Gasly and Norris for the same reasons.

Charles Leclerc again set the pace for Ferrari as the Italian team led a crash-strewn first practice for their home grand prix at a soggy Monza on Friday. The 21-year-old Monegasque, on a high after his first Formula One victory in Belgium last weekend, lapped the historic circuit near Milan with a quickest time of one minute 27.

Charles Leclerc again set the pace for Ferrari as the Italian team led a crash-strewn first practice for their home grand prix at a soggy Monza on Friday. The 21-year-old Monegasque, on a high after his first Formula One victory in Belgium last weekend, lapped the historic circuit near Milan with a quickest time of one minute 27.905 seconds. Ferrari and Monza are both celebrating 90th anniversaries this weekend, with a big crowd already on Friday despite the wet weather. The morning featured three red flags and was hardly representative, however, with McLaren's Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris second and third on the timesheets and the track drying towards the end after heavy overnight rain. Five-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, last year's winner for Mercedes, set the fourth fastest lap of 1:28.730 while Leclerc's German teammate Sebastian Vettel was only eighth quickest and 2.6 seconds off the pace. Hamilton goes into the weekend with a 65 point lead over teammate Valtteri Bottas and all bets on where he wins the championship rather than whether. Alfa Romeo's former Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen and Racing Point's Sergio Perez both crashed in the treacherous conditions while others spun later on, including Bottas who ended the session ninth fastest. Raikkonen was first off at Parabolica with half an hour completed, while Perez hit the wall heavily at the Ascari chicane. Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly caused the final red flag when his car hit a kerb at the first chicane and briefly caused an obstruction, before being shoved clear by marshals. British-born Thai racer Alexander Albon, who has traded places with Gasly, was fifth fastest for Red Bull with teammate Max Verstappen seventh. Verstappen will drop to the back end of the grid due to engine changes, along with Gasly and Norris for the same reasons.

Charles Leclerc fastest in practice for Ferrari's home race

Lewis Hamilton on Monday predicted more success for his triumphant Ferrari rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferraris-charles-leclerc-wins-belgian-gp-for-first-race-victory-247028">Charles Leclerc</a> and tipped the Monegasque driver as the favourite for this week's Italian Grand Prix at Monza. &nbsp;

After finishing second behind Leclerc at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, a race weekend overshadowed by the death of French Formula Two driver <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/family-and-motor-racing-teams-pay-tribute-to-anthoine-hubert-247020">Anthoine Hubert</a> a day earlier, Hamilton forecast that having finally secured his maiden win, Leclerc would now go on to claim more victories.&nbsp;

"Ferrari are going to have a happy weekend at Monza," said the defending five-time champion and current series leader.

"They are so much faster than us and Monza is all straights ... We will do our best, but it is going to be a tough job to match them."

Hamilton increased his lead in this year’s title race to 69 points ahead of re-signed Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who came home third, and was quick to praise 21-year-old Leclerc for his performance under pressure.

Leclerc, who started from pole and resisted intense Hamilton pressure as he chased him in the closing laps, dedicated his win to his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/family-and-motor-racing-teams-pay-tribute-to-anthoine-hubert-247020">late friend Hubert</a>.&nbsp;

"He did a great job," said Hamilton. "Even if we had different strategies, it would have been hard to have beaten him. He deserved to win."

Greatness

Leclerc, widely tipped as a future champion, performed with grace and humanity on and off the circuit during a stressful race weekend that saw him move within 12 points of his Ferrari team-mate and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ standings.

He has now out-qualified Vettel at six races in succession, leaving the German battling to retain his status as Ferrari’s lead driver.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Vettel was asked to pull over and allow Leclerc to pass mid-race on his way to finishing fourth. It is now more than a year since his last win, ironically at Belgium in 2018.&nbsp;

"I think his results speak for themselves really," added Hamilton, referring to Leclerc, who has delivered five podium finishes in his last seven outings.

"It's not easy for any driver to jump into a top team, let alone Ferrari... and then to be continuous from race one, out-perform, out-qualify and out-drive a four-time world champion is not easy to do.

"So I think that speaks for itself. He's been really unlucky in quite a few races this year. Could easily have been the third win today.&nbsp;

"So, there's a lot more greatness to come from him and I'm looking forward to seeing his growth and racing alongside him ... Today, it was fun, trying to chase him. He was just a little bit too quick."

While Leclerc finally seized a victory, another young driver impressed by finishing fifth —- Red Bull rookie Alex Albon climbing from 17th to secure a strong result in his first race with the team following promotion from Toro Rosso.&nbsp;

"I’ve been very impressed with Alex’s performance and he put in a great recovery drive in his first race," said Red Bull team chief Christian Horner of the London-born Thai racer.

His Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen made a poor start and retired after crashing on the opening lap.

"I had some good fun out there and I enjoyed this race a lot," said Albon. "I started off the weekend very nervous and if you had told me I’d finish the race fifth I’d be very happy, but I’m a bit more relaxed now."

Lewis Hamilton on Monday predicted more success for his triumphant Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc and tipped the Monegasque driver as the favourite for this week's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Lewis Hamilton on Monday predicted more success for his triumphant Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc and tipped the Monegasque driver as the favourite for this week's Italian Grand Prix at Monza. After finishing second behind Leclerc at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, a race weekend overshadowed by the death of French Formula Two driver Anthoine Hubert a day earlier, Hamilton forecast that having finally secured his maiden win, Leclerc would now go on to claim more victories. "Ferrari are going to have a happy weekend at Monza," said the defending five-time champion and current series leader. "They are so much faster than us and Monza is all straights ... We will do our best, but it is going to be a tough job to match them." Hamilton increased his lead in this year’s title race to 69 points ahead of re-signed Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who came home third, and was quick to praise 21-year-old Leclerc for his performance under pressure. Leclerc, who started from pole and resisted intense Hamilton pressure as he chased him in the closing laps, dedicated his win to his late friend Hubert. "He did a great job," said Hamilton. "Even if we had different strategies, it would have been hard to have beaten him. He deserved to win." Greatness Leclerc, widely tipped as a future champion, performed with grace and humanity on and off the circuit during a stressful race weekend that saw him move within 12 points of his Ferrari team-mate and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ standings. He has now out-qualified Vettel at six races in succession, leaving the German battling to retain his status as Ferrari’s lead driver. On Sunday, Vettel was asked to pull over and allow Leclerc to pass mid-race on his way to finishing fourth. It is now more than a year since his last win, ironically at Belgium in 2018. "I think his results speak for themselves really," added Hamilton, referring to Leclerc, who has delivered five podium finishes in his last seven outings. "It's not easy for any driver to jump into a top team, let alone Ferrari... and then to be continuous from race one, out-perform, out-qualify and out-drive a four-time world champion is not easy to do. "So I think that speaks for itself. He's been really unlucky in quite a few races this year. Could easily have been the third win today. "So, there's a lot more greatness to come from him and I'm looking forward to seeing his growth and racing alongside him ... Today, it was fun, trying to chase him. He was just a little bit too quick." While Leclerc finally seized a victory, another young driver impressed by finishing fifth —- Red Bull rookie Alex Albon climbing from 17th to secure a strong result in his first race with the team following promotion from Toro Rosso. "I’ve been very impressed with Alex’s performance and he put in a great recovery drive in his first race," said Red Bull team chief Christian Horner of the London-born Thai racer. His Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen made a poor start and retired after crashing on the opening lap. "I had some good fun out there and I enjoyed this race a lot," said Albon. "I started off the weekend very nervous and if you had told me I’d finish the race fifth I’d be very happy, but I’m a bit more relaxed now."

Charles Leclerc destined for greatness, says Lewis Hamilton

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